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Monday, 19 August 2013

Book Review#18. - Flashman's Lady

Flashman’s lady proved to be another absolute gem in Macdonald Fraser’s series, this time seeing our cowardly rascal of a hero set sail for adventures in Singapore, Borneo and Madagascar. The opening chapters concern themselves with Flashman’s prowess at cricket and the rivalry between himself and the dashing Don Solomon, who proves to be a worthy adversary in all matters from womanising to wickets. This ultimately leading to a literal and metaphorical voyage of discovery for all concerned as they travel to the enchanting, but troubled waters of the South Sea Islands.

I have clearly gone about the whole series in completely the wrong order, reading them as an individual book is passed on by a generous friend or I spy a special offer at the local bookstore, but that doesn't seem to spoil my enjoyment of them and in fact 'Flashman's Lady' proved to be a fast paced and totally outlandish tale, yet strangely accurate in its historical detail. For example this was to prove my first introduction to James Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak; surely one of the most interesting and exciting nineteenth century gentleman adventurers there has ever been. This must have been a fictitious creation of Fraser's thought I, but to my surprise he isn't!

The joy of discovering another fascinating facet of Victorian history aside, 'Flashman's Lady' proved to be one of my favourite tales in the series so far, this may of course be down to its inclusion of my beloved game of cricket, who would have thought Flashman achieved the world's first hat trick, and thoroughly deserves its four crowns.

I love Flashman and am now reading them in chronological (which isn't necessary)having just completed 'Flash for Freedom!' - which had me laughing out loud in delight.I can't recommend them highly enough as very funny, refeshingly politically incorrect and historically informative - great stuff!

You must read Flashman at the Charge ASAP if you haven't done so already. I find that you don't necessarily have to read the books in chronological order, other than reading the first book, Flashman, first in order to get familiar with the bounder's background. I envy those who are just starting to read this series of books for the first time: you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Also, be sure to read all of the footnotes at the back of the book. They contain lots of useful historical info that puts old Flashy into the historical context.

Flashman the Charge is certainly a favourite of mine to date, but I look forward to each new tale with a relish. I couldn't agree more with regards to the footnotes, I have learnt so much from Fraser's rich historical detail.

"Flashman's Lady" is one of the most enjoyable of the series, and barrels along at a cracking pace. Flashman has also turned up as a character in a couple of S.M. Stirling's alternate history stories, notably "The Peshawar Lancers" (as an ancestor of one of the main characters) and in a speaking role in the short story "The Charge of Lee's Brigade".

"Flashman at the Charge" and "Flashman in the Great Game" are two other must-reads for any fan of the rascally coward who surrenders his way to victory for the Empire!